Welcome to the American Cheese Society
Join ACS
ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Annual Conference
We are so excited to be in Buffalo, New York, July 10-13, for our 41st Annual Conference, “Cheese For Real”.
Judging & Competition
The ACS Judging & Competition, a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses, takes place in June each year.
Learning Center
The ACS Learning Center & ACEF Webinar Archive houses the American Cheese Society’s ongoing webinar series and other resources for you to watch and review on demand. ACS members access for free. Some content is available to non-members for purchase.
The leader for American Cheese
Welcome to the American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses, providing the cheese industry with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Our site offers resources, education, industry directories, and other valuable tools for cheese professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Learn, Show Your Skills, Grow
ACS Programs and Events
The American Cheese Society has numerous programs and events for the cheese community that provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and opportunities to showcase your achievements in cheesemaking, cheesemongering, and more.
Conference
As an industry and a professional association, we gather each year to celebrate and tackle challenges together. At the American Cheese Society Annual Conference, we celebrate a vibrant and growing market for world-class American-made cheeses.
Competition
The American Cheese Society Judging & Competition is a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses. By hosting Judging & Competition, ACS shines the spotlight on American cheesemakers by showcasing their talents and work as leaders within the industry.
Certification
The American Cheese Society offers two industry certifications: ACS Certified Cheese Professional® (ACS CCP®) and ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator® (ACS CCSE®) that formally recognizes professional achievement at a national level.
Resources
What's happening
Cheese Industry Events
Upcoming deadlines and cheese industry events
Introduction to Artisan Cheesemaking: Milk to Make to Market
Affinage: Techniques, Microbes and Facilities
Advanced Cheesemaking: Simplifying Difficult Cheeses
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Nov. 14 — 20, 2024 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Introduction to Artisan Cheesemaking: Milk to Make to Market
6 day intensive workshop designed for anyone looking to develop or improve on a small-scale cheese business. This session includes hands-on cheesemaking as well as lecture and discussion of cheese aging; facilities, equipment, and creamery design; regulations; sanitation and food safety, business planning, and marketing. No prior experience necessary. -
Nov. 22 — 25, 2024 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Affinage: Techniques, Microbes and Facilities
Affinage: Explore the craft of cheesemaking, ripening, and grading cheese for sale from the point of view of the affineur. This combination of classroom instruction and discussion will include visits to local cheese aging spaces for a tour and discussion of affinage in practice. Complete details at www. dairyfoodsconsulting. -
Dec. 7 — 13, 2024 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Advanced Cheesemaking: Simplifying Difficult Cheeses
Advanced Cheesemaking is a 6 day intensive designed for cheesemakers who own or work for small-scale, licensed, commercial cheese businesses and want to expand product lines, experiment with new cultures and recipes, and improve quality.
